“Did you have a good time while I was away?”
“Very good,” said Paul.
“And interesting,” informed William.
Jack spoke. “We went camping.”
“That should have been enjoyable and interesting,” commented the major. Then he asked the most pertinent question. “Are you ready for flying instructions?”
The boys shouted lustily and eagerly, “Yes, yes.”
“All of you have the permission of your parents?”
Paul answered for the group. “All except two—Ken Armstrong and Albert Cypher.”
“Hmm,” mused the major. “That’s too bad.” He looked at the two unfortunate boys and they appeared very ill at ease. To cheer them the major said, “Well, not everyone can be a pilot. Some of us have to do other work, quite naturally. So we’ll make mechanics out of you. How about it?”